American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

In Memorium - Rev. Donald Rockwell

 

Rev. Donald Rockwell entered the gates of heaven June 5, 2021, following declining health at the age of 89. Born on Sep. 15, 1931 in Canton, PA, Donald was the son of the late, Elmer Sr. & Edith Bates Rockwell. He graduated from Canton High School in 1949. In service to his country, Don served in the U.S. Army. He married his best friend and companion, Jane Austin on Oct. 17, 1954, seldom to be seen apart until Jane's passing on Dec. 23, 2019.

First and foremost a family man, Don and Jane raised a loving family. He was employed by Marine Midland Bank for many years but was best known as the Pastor of the Fassett Baptist Church for over 44 years. "Pastor Don" always made everyone feel welcome with a warm smile and firm handshake. He had a gift for listening and treated everyone with kindness and respect. He was the cofounder of the ACTS..

Surviving are his cherished children, daughter and caregiver, Sharon Rockwell, Pine City; daughter, Mary & Paul Balmer, Midland, NC; son, Thomas & Terri Rockwell, Pine City; son, Mark & Sara Rockwell, Camillus, NY; friend and former daughter-in-law, Jill & Stacy Brink, Elmira; grandchildren, Jason (Adrianne) Balmer, Kellie Goyette, Ashley Neumann, Ryan (Alica) Balmer, Joseph Rockwell, Kristin (Brett) Bowman, Kaitlin (Alex) Davis, Jalyn, Torin, Kalie, Aubrey and Jacob Rockwell, Karen (Kyle) Erickson, Jennifer (Tom) Pushic, Michael (Becky) Rockwell, Catherine Rockwell; great grandchildren, Collin, Carter, Caden, Ryleigh, Landon, Luke, Sophia, Jack, Brooklynn, Liam, Max (with their mom, Kim) Blake, Grayson, Emersyn, Colton, Reagan, Lauren, Ryan, Joshua, Xavier; many nieces, nephews and a sister, Shirley Porter, Horsheads, NY. In addition to his parents and wife, Don was predeceased by his son, Donald L. Rockwell; siblings, Jenny Lipovsky, Mary Tuning and Elmer E. Rockwell Jr.

Guests will be received at Caywood's Funeral Home & Gardens, 1126 Broadway Southport/Elmira, NY on Tues. June 8, 2021 between the hours of 2-6 p.m. Funeral services will take place on Wed. 10 a.m. at the Pennsylvania Avenue United Methodist Church and also streamed on Caywood's Facebook page. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery where military honors will be accorded "Pastor Don" and he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Jane and son, Don.

Memorials may be directed to the Gospel Music Festival & Ice Cream Social, c/o Fassett Baptist Church, 36089 PA-14, Gillett, PA 16925 in Pastor Don's memory.